Every fall and winter, thousands of people flock to Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead, Florida, for their famous cinnamon rolls, fresh strawberries, and that authentic "plain people" experience you just can't find anywhere else in South Florida (well, you can, but on the opposite coast). But here's something that might surprise you: despite what many visitors assume, the Knaus family isn't Amish at all.
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The spectrum of "Plain people" is much larger than most people realize, encompassng the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites, German Baptists, and others. The Knaus family represents a fascinating piece of this puzzle – they're German Baptist Brethren, a group that shares some similarities with the Amish but has its own distinct history and practices.
Let me share what I've learned about this unique South Florida institution and clear up some of the confusion about who exactly runs this beloved farm. And it definitely is worth a stop, I popped in there about 15 years ago and would love to go back!
🍓 What Makes Knaus Berry Farm Special
If you've never been to Knaus Berry Farm, you're missing out on one of South Florida's most unique experiences. Located in the agricultural heart of Homestead, this working farm has been serving the community since the 1950s, when Russell Knaus Sr. first started growing strawberries on the land.
But Knaus Berry Farm isn't just any farm stand. The moment you drive up, you'll notice something different. The workers dress plainly – women in simple dresses and head coverings, men in plain shirts and suspenders. There's no flashy signage, no modern marketing gimmicks. Just honest, hard work and incredibly good food.
What they're famous for:
- Cinnamon rolls that people drive hours to get
- Fresh strawberries grown right on the property
- Homemade milkshakes made with real ice cream
- Fresh vegetables grown using traditional methods
- Baked goods made from scratch daily
- Preserves and jams that taste like your grandmother's
The quality is exceptional because everything is made the old-fashioned way. No shortcuts, no artificial ingredients, just time-tested recipes and methods passed down through generations.
⛪ German Baptist Brethren: The Real Story
The Knaus family belongs to a religious group called the German Baptist Brethren, also known as the Old German Baptist Brethren. This is a conservative Anabaptist denomination that shares some roots with the Amish but developed along a different path.
Origins and History
The German Baptist Brethren trace their origins back to 1708 in Germany, when Alexander Mack and seven others formed the first Brethren congregation in Schwarzenau. Like the Amish, they faced persecution in Europe and eventually migrated to America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s.
The key difference is timing and leadership. While the Amish split from the Swiss Brethren in the 1690s under Jakob Ammann's leadership, the German Baptist Brethren were founded as a separate movement about 15 years later by Alexander Mack.
Core Beliefs
German Baptist Brethren share many beliefs with other Anabaptist groups:
- Adult baptism by triple immersion (three times forward)
- Pacifism and non-resistance
- Simple living and plain dress
- Community mutual aid and support
- Separation from worldly pursuits
- Biblical literalism in interpretation
How They Differ from Other Anabaptists
What makes German Baptist Brethren unique is their practice of triple immersion baptism and their approach to church governance. They also tend to be slightly more integrated with the broader community than Old Order Amish, though still maintaining their plain lifestyle.
🤔 Why People Think They're Amish
I completely understand why visitors to Knaus Berry Farm might assume the family is Amish. The similarities are striking:
Visual Similarities
- Plain dress – women wear simple dresses and prayer coverings
- Men's appearance – plain shirts, suspenders, often beards
- Simple lifestyle – no flashy displays or modern conveniences
- Traditional farming methods – focus on sustainable, traditional agriculture
- Family-based operation – multiple generations working together
Cultural Similarities
- Strong work ethic and craftsmanship
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Community-oriented approach to business
- Traditional values and family structure
- Suspicion of modern technology and worldly pursuits
The "Plain People" Label
Both groups fall under the broader category of "Plain People" – conservative religious communities that emphasize simple living and separation from mainstream society. To outsiders, the differences can seem minor compared to the similarities.
🔍 Key Differences: German Baptist vs. Amish
While the similarities are obvious, there are important distinctions:
Technology Use
German Baptist Brethren tend to be somewhat more accepting of modern technology than Old Order Amish. You might see them using:
- Tractors and modern farm equipment
- Trucks for business purposes
- Basic electrical appliances
- Telephones for business
Amish vary by community, but Old Order Amish typically restrict:
- Automobiles (horse and buggy transportation)
- Electricity from public grid
- Modern farm equipment
- Telephones in homes
Community Structure
German Baptist Brethren often live more integrated with surrounding communities, while maintaining their plain lifestyle. They're more likely to:
- Live in conventional houses (though simply furnished)
- Participate in local business communities
- Have regular interactions with non-Brethren neighbors
Amish tend to live in more isolated, cohesive communities with:
- Distinct geographical boundaries
- Limited interaction with "English" neighbors
- Community-based mutual aid systems
- Shared transportation and equipment
Business Practices
German Baptist businesses like Knaus Berry Farm often:
- Accept credit cards and modern payment methods
- Use some modern equipment for efficiency
- Market to the general public
- Operate year-round businesses
Amish businesses typically:
- Prefer cash transactions
- Use traditional methods and tools
- Focus primarily on serving their own community
- May have seasonal limitations
📚 The Knaus Family History
The Knaus family's journey to South Florida is a fascinating story of faith, hard work, and adaptation.
Coming to Florida
Russell Knaus Sr. moved his family from Pennsylvania to Homestead in the 1950s. Like many German Baptist families, they were looking for agricultural opportunities and a place where they could maintain their traditional lifestyle while making a living.
South Florida's year-round growing season was perfect for their farming ambitions. The land was affordable, the climate was ideal for strawberries and vegetables, and the area was rural enough to allow them to live according to their beliefs.
Building the Farm
Starting with strawberries, the Knaus family gradually built what would become one of South Florida's most beloved agricultural destinations. They added:
- A farm stand for direct sales
- A bakery for fresh goods
- Expanded crop production
- A loyal customer base that returns year after year
Multiple Generations
Today, the farm operates as a true family business, with multiple generations of the Knauss family working together. Children grow up learning the business, and the traditional values of hard work, quality, and service continue to guide operations.
🌱 Life on a German Baptist Farm
Life on a German Baptist farm like Knaus Berry Farm follows rhythms that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
Daily Routine
The day starts early – often before sunrise – with farm chores and preparation for the day's business. Family members have specific responsibilities:
- Men typically handle field work, equipment, and heavy lifting
- Women often manage the bakery, farm stand, and food preparation
- Children help with age-appropriate tasks and learn the business
Seasonal Rhythms
The farm operates on natural seasonal cycles:
- Fall/Winter (October-April): Peak strawberry season and busiest time
- Spring (May-June): Transition period, some late strawberries
- Summer (July-September): Farm typically closed, time for rest and maintenance
Community Values
The operation reflects German Baptist values:
- Quality over profit – they'd rather make less and maintain standards
- Fair treatment of employees and customers
- Environmental stewardship through sustainable farming practices
- Family unity and multi-generational cooperation
🥧 The Famous Food and Why It's So Good
The food at Knaus Berry Farm has achieved legendary status in South Florida, and there's good reason for that.
The Cinnamon Rolls
These aren't your typical bakery cinnamon rolls. They're:
- Made fresh daily using traditional recipes
- Hand-rolled and individually crafted
- Made with real ingredients – no shortcuts or preservatives
- Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy
- Served warm when possible
The secret is in the traditional methods and quality ingredients. No industrial mixing, no mass production – just the way German Baptist bakers have been making them for generations.
Fresh Strawberries
The strawberries are exceptional because:
- Grown on-site and picked at peak ripeness
- Traditional farming methods that prioritize flavor over shelf life
- No long-distance shipping – from field to customer in hours
- Varieties chosen for taste rather than commercial shipping requirements
Other Specialties
- Milkshakes made with real ice cream and fresh fruit
- Preserves and jams made in small batches
- Fresh vegetables grown using time-tested methods
- Baked goods that reflect German/Pennsylvania Dutch traditions
🗓️ Visiting Knaus Berry Farm: What to Expect
Season and Hours
Open: Typically October through April (strawberry season) Closed: May through September for summer break Hours: Usually 8 AM until sold out (they often sell out early!) Peak times: Weekends and holidays can be extremely busy
What to Bring
- Cash – the farm store accepts CASH only, so, go to an ATM first!
- Coolers – for keeping strawberries and dairy products fresh
- Patience – popular items sell out quickly
- Early arrival – serious customers arrive when they open
What to Buy
Must-haves:
- Fresh strawberries (when in season)
- Cinnamon rolls (arrive early – they sell out fast!)
- Milkshakes
- Preserves and jams
Also worth trying:
- Fresh vegetables
- Baked goods
- Local honey
- Seasonal specialties
Etiquette
- Be respectful of the family's beliefs and lifestyle
- Don't ask intrusive questions about their religion
- Be patient – everything is made fresh and takes time
- Dress modestly out of respect
- Keep photography respectful – ask before taking pictures of people
🌍 Other German Baptist Communities
The Knaus family isn't unique – there are German Baptist Brethren communities scattered across the United States, though they're much less well-known than Amish settlements.
Where to Find Them
Major concentrations:
- Pennsylvania – original settlement areas
- Ohio – several rural communities
- Indiana – farming communities
- California – some agricultural areas
- Florida – small communities like the Knaus family
What They Do
Many German Baptist families are involved in:
- Agriculture and farming
- Small businesses and crafts
- Construction and carpentry
- Food production and processing
How They Compare to Amish
German Baptist communities tend to be:
- Smaller and less visible than Amish settlements
- More integrated with surrounding communities
- Less restrictive about technology use
- More willing to serve the general public
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Knaus family actually Amish?
No, they're German Baptist Brethren, a related but distinct religious group. The confusion is understandable given the similarities in dress and lifestyle.
Why do they close for summer?
Strawberry season runs from fall through spring in Florida. Summer is traditionally a time for rest, farm maintenance, and family time. Many Plain People businesses follow seasonal patterns.
Can I take pictures?
Be respectful and ask permission, especially if people are in the photo. Focus on the farm, food, and scenery rather than trying to photograph the family members.
Do they accept credit cards?
Policies may vary, but it's always best to bring cash when visiting any Plain People business.
Why is the food so much better than regular stores?
Traditional methods, quality ingredients, small-batch production, and no preservatives or shortcuts. Everything is made the way it was 100 years ago.
Are there other German Baptist farms I can visit?
German Baptist communities are much smaller and less visible than Amish settlements, so finding them can be challenging. Knaus Berry Farm is probably the most accessible to the general public.
How can I tell the difference between Amish and German Baptist?
It's often difficult for outsiders. German Baptist tend to be slightly more integrated with modern society and may use more technology, but the differences can be subtle.
Do they have the same beliefs as the Amish?
Both are Anabaptist groups with similar core beliefs about pacifism, adult baptism, and simple living, but there are theological and practical differences in how these beliefs are practiced.
Is there any connection between Knaus Berry Farm and Knotts Berry Farm?
The iconic southern California amusement park and this south Florida mainstay shares a coincidentally similiar name, but that is their only commonality between the two. There is no connection between the two places.
Knaus Berry Farm represents a unique piece of Florida's agricultural heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into a way of life that prioritizes quality, tradition, and family values. While they may not be Amish, the German Baptist heritage of the Knauss family is equally fascinating and worthy of respect and understanding.
Next time you're enjoying those famous cinnamon rolls, you'll know a little more about the people and traditions behind them. And maybe you'll appreciate them even more knowing the care and tradition that goes into every single one.
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